The F1 Change That Resulted In the Downfall Of Williams

The Williams F1 team has seen a collapse in the 21st century, the team that is the second most successful in F1 history has failed to adapt to the new regulations and it has now been revealed that they are behind in terms of their technology.
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[nemke]

The biggest mistake Williams ever made was Frank and Patrick forcing Newey out

[GarfieldRex]

Last competitive year: 2015
Last race victory: 2012
Last championship opportunity: 2003
Last championship: 1997

[helenballinger]

It is a shame that Willians are really struggling. Alex, though is doing the best he can with the car he has. He seems at home at Williams despite their struggles

[hugolouessard]

THE big mistake that Williams made and that could have changed a lot in the most important period of their history, is Franck Williams and Patrick Head refusing to make Adrian Newey their equal with a say in important decisions and a stake in the team. As soon as he left (1997), it was hard for Williams which went from world champion to front of the midfield the following year.
With Newey fully invested in Williams, and thus probably better results, they could have developped way better in the early 2000s and stay on top.

But no, Williams and Head decided to step Newey aside when talking about the key decisions, while they had promised Newey that he'd be involved in the important decisions.
Of course, Newey isn't a miracle worker and he can't make a team win by himself, but from 2000 to 2004 especially, Williams just needed a better chassis and aero, as BMW was the best engine, and Newey could have been the difference between 2nd or 3rd in the championship, and world champion. As for the rest, hard to say what they should have done, but if the BMW partnership had given titles, BMW could have stayed, invested in the team and so on... And they'd maybe still be a top team.

[tomhutchins]

I've been watching since 2008 and it's hard to believe they ever even more than a perennial midfielder. It's becoming hard to remember that about Mclaren too.

[y_fam_goeglyd]

Williams became successful because Frank & Patrick were/are stubborn buggers.
Williams started its downhill slide because Frank & Patrick were/are stubborn buggers.
(Btw, Red Bull uses a wind tunnel built in the 1960s. "Modern" technology isn't always the answer.)

[marco_]

The fact they are competitive with outdated systems is an incredible acheivement. Vowles can bring them higher up if the fully back him and give him full autonomy. Also His pitwall insights is a breath of fresh air compared to the likes szafnauer, horners etc

[The_Curious_Cat]

What started the Williams downfall was not only the amount of revenue being reduced, but also letting Newey leave and losing Renault engines. All at the same time (1997). Ever since they never recovered, they had some good years, but have been falling down the grid.

Also about the active suspension car (1992), if I'm not mistaken, it didn't work by the driver pressing a button to lift or lower the car. It was much more advanced then that. The car basically had a "map" of the track and would maintain the ride height of it during the whole lap, which improved the diffuser efficiency and overall aerodynamics a lot. While others would lose aerodynamic efficiency because the car would bounce or lift the rear when braking, the Williams was a steady platform and that's why it was dominant.

[therenunciate]

Last great Williams driver lineup was - correct me if I’m wrong - Massa/Bottas in 2014

[natelecarde]

Ferrari fans have no idea how bad Williams have it…

[AxleBullitt]

A friend of mine was actually questioning why Williams is even bothering showing up to race. Even went as far as suggesting them being dropped from the grid. He started watching in 2019.

[simonkevnorris]

You should have included Nelson Piquet and Keke Rosberg in the list of great drivers for Williams.

[RubyFergusonBlacksmith]

Founded in 1997 @0.41 I think you meant 1977

[mrwhatever]

Why did any of the teams sign a concord agreement that made them lose 60% of their income?

[MrSniperfox]

Funny you didn't mention Kubica with the pay drivers because, let's be fair, he was a pay driver being bankrolled by Orlon.

[jtr]

Stubbornness and complacency cost them their competitiveness on the grid. Adrian Newey is an obvious reason.

They should’ve taken up BMW’s offer to merge in the mid 2000’s. BMW we’re the quickest between 2001 to 2004. BMW could’ve delivered a WDC in 2008 - that’s a different topic in itself.

Even Lawrence Stroll wanted to invest into Williams and they refused.

[spevomax]

I'd say that 1995 was the most embarrassing season for Williams. Both drivers and the team fails in every possible way and yet they had the most dominant car.

[danked]

They should of given Newey a piece of the company

[sharvilraut]

What an insightful and comprehensive video! Perfect for seasoned F1 fans and newcomers.